This was the first graph problem I ever posed myself and solved...at the time, algorithms were hardly considered a scientific topic. The mathematical culture of the day was very much identified with the continuum and infinity... [so my algorithm was uninteresting because it is well known that any] "finite set has a minimum -- next problem, please. It was not considered mathematically respectable.

For many years, I had felt guilty about my lack of mathematical education. But eventually, I think I was glad I was spared the mathematical prejudices of the day.

And it was interesting reading his observations about Tektronix! Here are some:

at Tektronix all visible signs of seniority are anxiously —and almost religiously!— suppressed: open cubicles and Christian [first] names [were used exclusively] on principle...

True, as I recall. I remember reading notes from a meeting where there were 3 men named John in the meeting. We had to use subscripts (for example: John1, John2, John3) to determine which John said what to whom!

I was definitely alarmed by the prevailing attitude towards education. ... It might help to know that for a Dutchman, who has in his own language only a single verb for "to hire" and "to rent", the expression "to hire someone" is of an incredible rudeness. I observed American industry regarding the graduate indeed as the university's "product", that you just "hire" whenever you need a specific competence!

I say: my brain is not for sale. But it can be rented...

Tektronix professed to be interested in the education of its employees, but I couldn't escape the uneasy feeling that it was little more than lip service. I quote from the Tektronix, Inc. Annual Report, 32nd Year, May 27, 1978: (pg. 31)

"This avenue for self-development is available to everyone here. All Tek employees are allowed 40 minutes of company time each month, to use in whatever way they find most broadening and helpful."

My God! What is "40 minutes of company time (sic!) each month"? Ten minutes a week. The average human spends more in the restrooms.

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